The Best RPG Shooter Games That Are Awesome

  The RPG shooter genre is a powerhouse in modern gaming, blending the fast-paced action of a first-person or third-person shooter with the deep character progression, looting, and storytelling of a role-playing game. This hybrid has produced some of the most compelling and replayable titles of the past two decades. The joy comes from not only mastering a weapon but also building a character, collecting powerful loot, and watching your skills and power grow over time. As we move through 2025, the genre continues to evolve, with new titles on the horizon and established classics still holding their ground.

Here is a look at the best RPG shooter games that have defined the genre.

1. The Borderlands Series

The Borderlands franchise is arguably the most recognizable and beloved looter-shooter of all time. With its unique cel-shaded art style, irreverent humor, and over-the-top action, the series has carved out a distinct identity. At its core, the game is a loot-driven RPG where you can find billions of procedurally generated guns, each with unique stats and abilities. The character-building is a highlight, with each Vault Hunter having a diverse skill tree that allows for a wide range of playstyles. The upcoming Borderlands 4 promises to build on this foundation with new traversal and vehicle mechanics. If you’re looking for a game that perfectly balances shooting with deep character progression and a massive amount of loot, this is the series for you.

2. Cyberpunk 2077

After a massive comeback with its Phantom Liberty expansion and numerous updates, Cyberpunk 2077 is now considered one of the best RPG shooters ever made. Set in the sprawling, corporate-controlled metropolis of Night City, the game offers an unparalleled level of freedom in its character customization and progression. You can build your character to be a gun-toting mercenary, a stealthy netrunner, or a high-tech samurai. The game’s gunplay is fast, visceral, and satisfying, and the deep RPG systems allow you to tailor your character to your exact playstyle. With a compelling, non-linear story and a world that feels alive, Cyberpunk 2077 is a masterclass in the genre.

3. The Fallout Series (especially Fallout: New Vegas and Fallout 4)

While the Fallout series has always been a blend of RPG and shooter, Fallout: New Vegas and Fallout 4 are the best examples of this hybrid. The games drop you into a vast, post-apocalyptic wasteland and give you the freedom to explore and forge your own path. The shooting mechanics, while not as polished as dedicated shooters, are serviceable and, when combined with the V.A.T.S. system, offer a unique tactical experience. The true strength of the series lies in its deep RPG elements: a wide range of quests with multiple solutions, a complex perk system, and a deep character progression that allows you to become anything from a charismatic diplomat to a wasteland warlord. Fallout 4, in particular, introduced a robust weapon customization system that allows you to modify and build your own arsenal.

4. Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Mankind Divided

The modern Deus Ex games are a pinnacle of the RPG shooter genre. They blend stealth, shooting, and deep RPG mechanics into a thrilling cyberpunk adventure. As Adam Jensen, a cybernetically augmented security chief, you can approach every situation in a number of ways. You can go in guns blazing, using your augments and a wide array of weapons to take down enemies. Or, you can play as a ghost, using stealth and hacking to bypass entire sections of the game without firing a single shot. The games’ stories are a thought-provoking exploration of transhumanism and corporate control, and your choices have a real impact on the world.

5. The Outer Worlds

From the creators of Fallout: New Vegas, The Outer Worlds is a love letter to classic RPGs. The game is a vibrant, satirical space adventure with a strong emphasis on player choice. While the combat is a satisfying first-person shooter, the real fun comes from the deep RPG systems. You can build a character with a wide range of skills, from a genius scientist to a bumbling idiot. Your decisions, from who you ally with to how you complete a quest, have a significant impact on the story. The game’s witty writing and memorable characters make it a must-play for fans of classic RPGs who also enjoy solid shooting mechanics.

The RPG shooter genre is as strong as ever, with a mix of established franchises and new releases that continue to push the boundaries of what is possible. Whether you prefer a looter-shooter, a cyberpunk epic, or a post-apocalyptic adventure, there is a game on this list for you.